Blake Gardner

Blake has known that he wanted to be a photographer since 3rd grade.
Growing up with a portrait and wedding shooter as a dad is a good
place to start. Over his 9 years in the industry, Blake has created
a large and diverse portfolio of stunning images. His ability to truly
connect with his subjects comes through in his compelling and unique
portraits.

Where were you born and raised? Where have you settled?

I was born in Tucson, AZ at the base of a mountain that
I swore was a sleeping stegosaurus. Lucky for me, my family
moved before it woke up. I spent the next 16 years in the
sweltering heat of Orlando, FL where there are no mountains,
or even hills for that matter. I've settled in Los Angeles
where my clients are primarily artists in the industry and
the stegosauruses are CGI.

What type of photography do you shoot most often? What type
of photography are you most passionate about shooting?

I'm a chip off the old block. I mainly shoot Portraits & Weddings,
just like my father. When I'm on vacation, I love bringing my camera
along to take what I consider portraits of nature.

How long have you been a shutter releaser? What led you to
this profession?

I have a piece of handwriting paper from when I was in 3rd grade.
I wrote "I Want To Be A Photographer" way back then. I strayed away from photography
in my rebellious years as an improv comedian. We all make mistakes. I've been making
my living as a photographer for 9 years now and will never take the stage again,
unless it's to talk about photography. On a side note, I also have handwriting paper
that says "If I had all the money in the world, I would move to California and get
toys." I now live in California and I try to remind myself to look through the lens
with the fascination of a child playing with a new toy.

How has Zenfolio helped your business?

Zenfolio has simplified my professional life. It has given me the power tools to
display my images the way I've always wanted to, with quick load times and large
file sizes. Now if only Zenfolio could simplify my personal life.

Tell us about your work flow, what editing program do you use?

I use Photoshop. Love it. Live it. Breathe it.

Do you have brand loyalty for Canon, Nikon or something completely different?

Canon 5D is my choice of camera. I have always felt more comfortable with the way a
Canon feels in my hands.

What is the best part of being a professional photographer?

To me, photography is one of the most powerful and versatile mediums we have in this
world. Photographs can inspire or inform. They can be abstract or literal. They can
be timeless & cherished or modern & reflective. I love being a part of the
photography world.

Are your photography skills self-taught or were you classically trained?

Since a professional photographer raised me, I have, in a way, inherited his
eye for the art of photography. I have learned the more technical details and
have refined my skills while either on the job or in workshops.

What advice would you give a new photographer just starting out?

Go to workshops and learn from other photographers. When I feel I've hit a wall,
I find a photographer who will challenge or inspire me to think about things a
different way.

What was your first published work?

A photo of John Cleese for BackStage West newspaper in 2005.

What inspires you as a photographer? Or who?

Characters inspire me. As my dad was starting off, he asked a seasoned photographer
how to take beautiful photos. The photographer responded, "That's easy, take photos
of beautiful people." I'm way more interested in take photos of interesting faces
than picture perfect ones.

What is the very first camera you ever owned?

I don't remember the first one I owned as a kid. I remember making a pinhole camera in
high school. This question reminded me of something Sam Haskins once
said: "A Photographer went to a socialite party in New York. As he entered the
front door, the host said 'I love your pictures – they're wonderful; you must
have a fantastic camera.' He said nothing until dinner finished, then: 'That
was a wonderful dinner; you must have a terrific stove."

Tell us something about yourself that we would never guess.

My home address is the same pixel count as the long side of the photos
my camera takes… 5616… mind blown, right?

What piece of equipment or doohickey do you have with you on every shoot?

My Cameras, Lenses, Lights, Reflectors… and my charming disposition.

Do you have any final words of wisdom on being a first class shooter?

"Luck is what happens when preparation meets opportunity." ~Seneca
So always be prepared.